Selecting Your Wedding Date

Posted on February 3, 2012 by NKK Crew

Ready to start planning? Before you put down a deposit, check this list of dates you might want to steer clear of when booking your wedding. Holiday weekend weddings have pros and cons. You’ve got an extra day for the festivities (and recovery!); plus, it’s easier to host a Sunday wedding, which is often less expensive than a Saturday one would be. However, costs of travel and hotels may be higher. Also, having a holiday wedding might adversely affect your wedding guest list. Some families have standing holiday weekend plans or traditions that they’d prefer not to disrupt.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)
January 16, 2012
January 21, 2013

Presidents’ Day (always a Monday)
February 20, 2012
February 18, 2013

Memorial Day (always a Monday)
May 28, 2012
May 27, 2013

Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Thursday, July 4, 2013

Labor Day (always a Monday)
September 3, 2012
September 2, 2013

Columbus Day (always a Monday)
October 8, 2012
October 14, 2013

Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 22, 2012
November 28, 2013

New Year’s Eve
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Religious and Cultural Holidays
Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether you’re allowed to marry at these times.

Palm Sunday
April 1, 2012
March 24, 2013

Easter Sunday
April 8, 2012
March 31, 2013

Passover (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tisha B’Av (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, July 29, 2012
Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset the night before)
Monday, September 17, 2012 until nightfall on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Thursday, September 4, 2013 until nightfall on Friday, September 6, 2013

Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Saturday, September 14, 2013

Hanukkah (begins at sunset)
Saturday, December 10, 2012 until nightfall on Sunday, December 16, 2012
Wednesday, November 27, 2013 until nightfall on Thursday, December 5, 2013

Christmas
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Kwanzaa
Wednesday, December 26, 2012 until Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2012 until Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Costly Holidays
If you’re looking to marry around Valentine’s Day, be wary of your floral bill, especially if you’ve got your heart set on red roses — they’re likely to be more costly than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year’s Eve wedding.

Notable Holidays

April Fool’s Day
If you and your fiance are jokesters at heart, this could be the perfect wedding day for you. If not, choose another day.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Monday, April 1, 2013

Mother’s Day (always a Sunday)
Make sure your mom is okay with sharing this weekend with your wedding — but it could be the perfect opportunity to honor her. If you do choose it, make a toast to all the mothers in the room at your postwedding brunch.
May 13, 2012
May 12, 2013

Father’s Day (always a Sunday)
Ditto for Dad.
June 17, 2012
June 16, 2013

Halloween
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Thursday, October 31, 2013

Quirky Dates
10/11/12 falls on a Thursday
12/12/12 falls on a Wednesday
11/12/13 falls on a Tuesday

Other Dates to Avoid
College reunions and/or homecomings, big conventions in your city, and any annual charity events that involve your family or close friends.

Nuptial Knick Knacks has wedding favors for all seasons! Check out our huge selection by stopping by our website!

Spring Wedding Myths

Posted on February 2, 2012 by NKK Crew

Spring is the time of year most often associated with weddings, so you might feel there are even more expectations about what kind you should have. We’ve broken down some of the most common assumptions about spring weddings to help you make your own rules.

Myth #1: You Must Use Pastel Colors
Though some spring brides embrace the colors traditionally associated with the season, others cringe at Easter egg-inspired hues. If you find yourself in the latter category, go with a color scheme that fits your style best. Pulling off an unexpected palette gives your wedding an element of surprise that will wow your guests. If you want to go with a seasonally appropriate but still unconventional choice, take the pastels up a few notches and go with brighter hues like hot orange, acid green, and magenta.

Myth #2: You Have To Have Flowers Everywhere
On the one hand, spring is a bride’s bonanza for flowers — a huge variety of blooms are in season and easy to get. But if flowers aren’t your thing, there are lots of options for creating interesting and unusual decor. One way is to incorporate other kinds of natural elements into your centerpieces: Think moss, wheatgrass, river rocks, or herbs. While these will still evoke a spring-like feel of freshness and rebirth, there’s not a flower in sight. Want something more dramatic? Towering, blooming branches like cherry blossoms, quince, or dogwood look modern and incorporate some flowers without being in-your-face. Best of all, they look great anywhere — whether on the altar or on your reception tables.

Myth #3: You Have To Have a Daytime Wedding
Dreaming of an evening affair? Some associate spring with a brunch reception. Brunches are beautiful, but they’re not the best option if you want to have an all-out dance party. Though the days are getting longer, you can still wait until sunset (or even later) for your ceremony. If you want a daytime wedding — particularly outdoors — go ahead and take advantage of the fair weather. Spring’s milder temperatures make a midday wedding much more comfortable than it would be in the heat of summer.

Myth #4: You Have To Stay Inside
While in many places early spring (in other words, March) can be unpredictable, don’t rule out an outdoor wedding for the entire season. The elements will be a factor in an outdoor celebration at any time of year, but rather than giving up on going al fresco, just plan ahead. When you’re looking at ceremony and reception sites, ask what other couples had done as a rain plan and whether any changes needed to be made. Get the details on those other spaces so if you’re planning to have 200 guests, you won’t choose a site where the indoor space can only hold 120. Another option: Reserve a just-in-case tent.

Myth #5: Your Attire Should Be Informal
The weather’s warmer so hemlines can be higher. Sure, your bridesmaids won’t have to worry about freezing in tea-length dresses, but it doesn’t mean you have to have them. If floor-length is more your style, that’s just fine. Same goes for your gown and the guys’ attire. Though a light-colored linen suit would be perfect for some springtime affairs, if a classic tux better suits the tone of your wedding, go for it. No matter what time of year you’re marrying in, the main thing that’s important is comfort — so if you love the look of satin dresses but are worried your maids will be melting, choose a similar style in a more forgiving fabric like a silk blend.

Don’t forget to check out our selection of spring wedding favors at Nuptial Knick Knacks!

Wedding Flowers

Posted on January 23, 2012 by NKK Crew

Flowers and weddings go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to tradition. Here are 10 creative flower ideas that challenge conventional notions.

1. Instead of bouquets, have delicate wreaths created for your bridesmaids to wear in their hair. Think ancient goddesses or fairy princesses — greens or blossoms will do the trick. Give maids small purses to carry down the aisle, or advise them to clasp their hands as they process.

2. For a visually stunning send-off, furnish guests with pretty paper cones or teeny baskets filled with rose petals to throw instead of rice or confetti. Escape from your guests while being showered by a fragrant cloud.

3. Sometimes the simplest flowers can look spectacular in multiples. As centerpieces, dense bunches of Queen Anne’s Lace and variegated ivy look elegant and lush while imparting a rustic, au naturel feel. Cluster three glass tumblers full of flowers — you can even use pint-sized jars or milk bottles if the setting is rural.

4. These days, stylish grooms and groomsmen are walking on the wild side, studding their lapels with mini calla lilies, mini sunflowers, and just about anything else. Exotic boutonnieres are bold and sexy and will refresh any tired tuxedo getup. Choose something special for the groom and accent it with a ribbon that matches his personality — plaid for preppy; stripes for chic; or polka dot for the lighthearted.

5. For an exquisite postwedding keepsake that won’t fade or dry up, many brides are opting for silk flowers. Boutonnieres and corsages can be created, and faux floral accents bring a touch of romance to ring pillows, shoes, gift packaging, place cards, and favors. Roses, orchids, peonies, poppies, gardenias, violets, lilies of the valley, and pansies are all up for grabs, but choose your craftsperson carefully. Silk flowers can be a cost-saver or a luxurious splurge, depending on bouquet size and the quality of the vendor’s wares.

6. Show a little stem. Unstructured, ribbon-tied bouquets are all the rage, often in vivid, monochromatic tones. Wrap bouquets with colorful ribbons in sumptuous fabrics such as satin, velvet, or organza. Rummage at flea markets and antique stores for fine vintage fare, or check out a local wholesale dealer’s fabric supply.

7. For the reception, consider decorating freestanding tables with different arrangements — low bowls filled with ruby red roses and cherries to tall, cylindrical vases wrapped with filo leaves and filled with half a dozen calla lilies. The variety will add visual interest to your reception space.

8. Know what types of flowers your grandma toted down the aisle? Honor a family member through your wedding flowers. Incorporate their meaningful flowers into your bouquets and arrangements. Looking for ways to invoke the memory of a deceased loved one? Find out about the flowers the person loved. If you infuse your flowers with symbolism, they’ll seem even more beautiful to you on the big day.

9. Whether you choose loose or a fabric bouquet wrap, make sure your selected style is unique. Cover the bouquet handle with a dark, velvet fabric and braid another pale-hued one around it, corset-style. Talk to your florist about other presentation ideas.

10. Keep the memory of your wedding bouquet from fading by taking it to a flower preservationist. You’ll want to find a professional who specializes in preserving to make sure the job is done correctly — ask your florist if they can recommend anyone. If you would rather preserve the bouquet yourself, you can try hanging it upside down in a dark, airy spot, or disassemble it and air-dry the flowers individually, but keep in mind that many flowers won’t hold up without professional treatment.

Check out all the wedding favors we have at Nuptial Knick Knacks!

Out-of-Town Guest Gift Baskets

Posted on January 19, 2012 by NKK Crew

Wedding planning can be very stressful, especially as the big day gets closer and closer. Throughout the pressure and anxiety, you must take the time to remember those who will be celebrating with you-specifically out-of-town guests to make them feel more welcome.

When they arrive at their hotel room, your guests may feel disconnected from you and the wedding. That is why a token of your appreciation should be waiting for them in their room. Many wedding planners suggest creating gift baskets full of items the guests can use during their trip. The basket should always be sealed with a personal note from you to the guests.

For the out-of-town guests unfamiliar with the area, you can offer a welcome basket with maps, event calendars and points of interest. You could also include food items and drinks in a basket so they will have something good to eat when they arrive. Finally, some pampering essentials-soaps, candles and oils-might offer a soothing touch for guests who are exhausted from a long trip. The main idea behind a gift basket for your out-of-town travelers is to tailor it to their tastes and personalize it especially from you.

Pick up some fun favors to add to your gift baskets at Nuptial Knick Knacks!

Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

Posted on January 10, 2012 by NKK Crew

The days of stuffy sit-down rehearsal dinners the night before a wedding are over. Today couples are getting revved up for their wedding day in backyards, bowling alleys, and on beaches. Here are a few ideas on how to make your rehearsal dinner one your family and friends won’t soon forget.

Fondue Theme. From buffets to multicourse sit-down meals, fondue adds fun to any dinner. For your rehearsal dinner, start with toast points and various cheese pots: blue cheese or Gruyere are good starters. Move on to meats, potatoes, and veggies, which can each be dipped in sauces (like teriyaki, red wine, and ginger) and cooked right on the table. For dessert, dip fresh fruit, squares of firm cake or brownies, bananas, and marshmallows in pots of melted chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, honey, and yogurt. Give guests a take-home version of one of the dishes or even a monogrammed fondue fork.

Bowling Theme. A themed bowling rehearsal dinner party is big fun — and sends a clear “casual attire” message to your guests. Some alleys have private rooms where you can serve food — the menu is easy: pizza, nachos, pretzels, and other foods from the snack bar. Stage competitions between the two families, or do boys vs. girls, and give awards at the end of the night (don’t forget to honor “Most Gutter Balls”!).

Destination Theme. Going somewhere tropical for your honeymoon? Give guests a little sneak peek and transform your wedding rehearsal dinner into your destination. Hang hammocks from trees in your backyard, serve dinner buffet-style on long surfboards, blend pina coladas and daiquiris, and let Jimmy Buffet blast. For fun favor ideas, try personalized messages in glass bottles, flip-flops, or gift certificates for a spray tans.

Nuptial Knick Knacks is sure to have the perfect favors for your event! Don’t forget to follow us out on Facebook, Twitter and GooglePlus!

Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations

Posted on January 9, 2012 by NKK Crew

After the vows have been exchanged, the cake cut and the bouquet tossed, take off with your sweetheart on a trip you’ll never forget. Whether your honeymoon is short or long, simple or extravagant, you will always remember your first days as husband and wife. Many couples spend so much time and energy planning the wedding that they run out of steam by the time they start to plan the honeymoon. If you’re one of those couples, don’t worry, below are the top 5 honeymoon destinations to jump start your imagination.

1. Hawaii: Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Its wonderful warm weather and laid back atmosphere is the perfect place for love birds to visit. By day, you can bath in the sun, snorkel, visit volcanoes, hike through rainforests, shop or just lounge around the pool. By night, you can try fabulous restaurants, enjoy a luau or simply sit under the stars. There are plenty of things to do and experience with your true love.

2. South Pacific: If you’re looking for a more secluded tropical experience, you may want to hit the beaches in Tahiti or Bora-Bora. Tahiti’s palm filled landscapes, coconut plantations, vanilla farms and relatively few tourists make this island a romantic place for two. Put a fragrant white tiare, Tahiti’s national bloom, behind your left ear (that means you’re taken) and you’ll fit in perfectly among the deep green valleys, waterfalls and fields of flowers. Bora-Bora’s sugary sands and clear, aquamarine waters are just as magical. Explore lagoons and even stay in your very own hut built on stilts right on the water.

3. Caribbean: With over 20 islands to choose from, taking a honeymoon to the Caribbean will surely be a treat! While on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, enjoy bathing in waterfalls, watching six different types of dolphins and napping in hammocks. Get lost in Bermuda and experience the wonderful coral reefs and shipwrecks which gave this place the nickname, “Isle of Devils” and breathe in the aroma of freesia, bougainvillea and passion flowers. For fun-loving couples, try out Jamaica, mon! Being the third largest island, Jamaica has extravagant nightlife, six mountain ranges and over 200 miles of beach. If you like to stay close to the US while still experiencing the tropical atmosphere, then Puerto Rico is perfect for you. Filled with stunning high-rises and nature reserves, this island is a cinch to navigate and the US dollar is the national currency.

4. Mexico: Carved out of the jungle, Cancun sits at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula with large resorts and exciting nightlife as well as ancient Mayan ruins and palm fringed beaches. Enjoy your days on the beach and hiking through the jungle and your nights enjoying fabulous food and dancing the hours away! Cozumel’s beautiful reefs are called “the land of the swallows” and offer clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches stretching for miles. With more than 30 charted reefs, this island is perfect for the couple who wants to experience nature in a quieter setting. Perhaps exciting Acapulco is more your style. 130 foot cliffs tower above the ocean and you can view professional divers taking the plunge into its foamy depths. Or you can strap on a parasail for a birds eye view of the bay.

5. South America: For the adventurous, you can explore the “Lost City of the Incas” in Machu Picchu, Peru. Stand beneath the walls and temples of ancient times and walk through the ruins for a once in a lifetime experience. In Cusco, the old capital of the Incan empire, you can stroll along cobblestone streets lined with museums, markets and cafes. And don’t forget to take the uphill trip to the city of Machu Picchu and be prepared to be amazed! There are few cities you can travel that have a more stunning view than Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, this exotic setting exudes drama and romance.

Don’t forget to check out Nuptial Knick Knacks! We’re your one stop shop for wedding favors!

Songs

Posted on January 5, 2012 by NKK Crew

Is the hipster in you urging you toward tunes that are unique, creative, even cutting edge? Mom and Dad may have danced to Johnny Mathis on their wedding day, but that doesn’t mean you two can’t sway to a more modern beat. Scour forgotten mix CDs and your constantly updated iPod, and then check out this top 30 list.

1. “Alison” (Elvis Costello)
2. “All I Want Is You” (U2)
3. “As” (Stevie Wonder)
4. “Blood Of Eden” (Peter Gabriel)
5. “Crash” (Dave Matthews Band)
6. “Everything I Do” (Brandy)
7. “Forever in My Life” (Prince)
8. “Heroes” (David Bowie)
9. “Ice Cream” (Sarah MacLachlan)
10. “If I Was Your Girlfriend” (Prince)
11. “In Your Eyes” (Peter Gabriel)
12. “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls)
13. “It Must Be Love” (Madness)
14. “Kiss Me” (Sixpence None The Richer)
15. “Kissing You” (from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet)
16. “Love Song” (The Cure)
17. “Like Someone In Love” (Bjork)
18. “Luna” (Smashing Pumpkins)
19. “Night & Day” (U2)
20. “Nothing Compares To You” (Sinead O’Connor)
21. “She” (Elvis Costello)
22. “Somebody” (Depeche Mode)
23. “Stay By Me” (Annie Lennox)
24. “Tonight, Tonight” (Smashing Pumpkins)
25. “Waste” (Phish)
26. “Wild Horses” (The Sundays)
27. “Wild Is The Wind” (David Bowie)
28. “You Are The Everything” (R.E.M.)
29. “You’re Just Too Good To Be True” (Lauryn Hill)
30. “You’re The Best Thing” (Style Council)

Check out Nuptial Knick Knacks for all your wedding favor needs!

Spring Wedding Favors

Posted on January 3, 2012 by NKK Crew

It’s time for a spring wedding and we have the perfect spring wedding favors! With blossoms and bright colors, pretty spring wedding favors will make your spring or summertime event special! Shop our great selection of floral and fresh wedding favors. We are sure to have the perfect favors for your special day!

“Love Birds in the Window” Salt & Pepper Shakers

Someone once said, “There is no greater delight than to watch two love birds, twittering and chirping merrily as the first rays of the sun appear over the tree-tops.” Delight your wedding guests with lasting memories–thank them for sharing the day with their own enchanting love birds to take home and treasure.

Be sure to check out the whole selection of spring wedding favors at Nuptial Knick Knacks!

Unity Ceremonies

Posted on January 2, 2012 by NKK Crew

Unity ceremonies have been a special part of wedding vows for a long time. Couples from cultures around the world have used the unity ceremony as a powerful way to symbolize their love and commitment to one another in marriage.

The unity candle ceremony has long been a tradition seen in marriages of all types, elaborate and simple. Typically, in this version of the unity ceremony, there is a single candle (the unity candle) that both bride and groom light from a flame of their own single candles. Parents or other members of the wedding party often join in the candle lighting ceremony using candles of their own, too. The shortcoming of the unity candle is that it leaves no permanent memento or reminder of the union. Once the candle has been blown out, the significance of the ceremony is left only as a fleeting memory.

The unity sand ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful symbolic joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of unity sand from separate containers into one special container, the unity vase, symbolizing their coming together as one. It provides a way for couples during their wedding ceremony to brilliantly show the joining of the flow of their two lives into a single stream with their individually colored sands joining as one in the unity vase. Plus, it can be treasured privately or displayed for all to see for years to come.

Be sure to visit Nuptial Knick Knacks and check out our selection of wedding favors!

Interfaith Marriage Ceremony Tips

Posted on December 30, 2011 by NKK Crew

Planning an interfaith ceremony can be tricky. You’ll likely face three major challenges: finding an officiant; combining two sets of traditions without upsetting your families too much; and creating a ceremony that reflects your commitment and your common values. If you have two different religions, these issues can take on the complexity of an international summit. How can you prevent a religious roadblock?

Have a Long Engagement. Take an entire year (or longer) to identify and work on reconciling issues likely to arise during your marriage. The issue of religion — its role in your wedding, marriage, and future family — should be examined very closely. Discuss the religious practices you would like to continue observing, especially when you have children. Nothing need be set in stone, but it’s important to be open about your expectations for the future.

Gather Information. Take courses in each other’s religions. Even if you don’t intend to practice either religion at home, the study will give you a greater understanding of each other’s beliefs and assumptions.

Go For Counseling. Consult clergy from each of your religions, preferably someone with training in family counseling, to help you two discuss the issues you face. You could also contact a family planning organization or therapist for objective pre-wedding counseling.

Be Patient With Parents. If the folks are having a hard time dealing with the religious differences, try to understand that they are mourning for their own unfulfilled expectations. Give them time to adjust to the idea, and try not to get defensive.

Visit Eachother’s Family. Visit early, visit often. Interfaith marriage necessitates a partial “moving in” to another faith or culture. Spending time with each other’s parents can be a good introductory course in what to expect.

Find the Right Officiant. Choose an officiant (or two) who makes both of you feel comfortable and who believes in your union. Ask around — chances are that other interfaith couples in your area have already searched for (and found) local officiants willing to perform interfaith marriages.

Include Both Faiths and Both Families. Early in the process, listen to both families’ views and expectations for your wedding day. You and your sweetie should then decide how to proceed — and lovingly (or at least nicely) discuss your choices with your families. Be open and honest with everyone from the start, so they know what you’re planning and why. Many couples create a wedding program that includes explanations and transliterations of specific religious customs, so family and friends can understand and participate in unfamiliar traditions.

Personalize Your Ceremony. Take great care in planning the ceremony. Some interfaith couples choose to follow tradition closely, while others stray from convention. Your officiant(s) can help you design a ceremony that works for you. Work together to select readings and rituals that are significant to both of you. This tough-but-worthwhile process will do much more than solidify wedding-day plans — you’ll get a head start learning to compromise, the golden rule of marriage.

Stop by Nuptial Knick Knacks and check out all of our unique wedding favors!

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